I have been asked (repeatedly) to provide detailed descriptions of loop rides in central and southern Colorado (Sargents, Gunnison, Taylor Park, Crested Butte, South Fork). I shall attempt to collect this information in the months (and years) ahead and provide it on these pages. In some cases, the descriptions will have to wait until I actually ride the loop with a GPS receiver to get accurate information. The descriptions are detailed and provide information you need to organize a ride. But remember; it's your ride and you assume responsibility for where you go. This information is only advisory. For those loops that have been surveyed (the loop name is underlined), click on the loop name for a complete description of the loop.
Barret Park Loop - This loop starts and ends at the Daly Gulch parking area on the west side of Highway 50, about one mile northeast of Sargents. The loop goes west to Barret Park, swings back east on Razor Cr, follows the Continental Divide Tr east to the Baldy Lake Tr, then returns to Highway 50 and the Daly Gulch parking area. The loop is about 60 miles long. There is no gas available on the loop.
Crested Butte Loop - This loop starts and ends near Crested Butte. The loop is definitely for intermediate riders or better because of the length and many technical sections. There is no gas available on the loop.
Dudley Roads DS Loop - This loop starts and ends at the Taylor Park Trading Post. The loop goes south to Tincup and returns to the Trading Post. The loop is a Dual-Sport ride consisting of easy roads. The loop is about 19 miles long. The ride can be extended by adding other side roads in the area There is no gas available on the loop.
Duncan Hill DS Loop - This loop starts and ends at the Taylor Park Trading Post. The loop goes south to Duncan Hill and returns to the Trading Post. The loop is a Dual-Sport ride consisting of easy roads. Some roads are rocky, but not all that hard to ride. The loop is between 30 and 60 miles long, depending on rider choice. There is no gas available on the loop.
La Garita Loop - This loop starts and ends at Poso CG, west of La Garita. The loop is definitely for intermediate riders or better because of the length and many technical sections. There is no gas available on the loop.
Pitkin DS Loop - This loop starts and ends at the Daly Gulch parking area on the west side of Highway 50, about one mile northeast of Sargents. The long loop goes north to Pitkin, north to Terrible Mtn, swings back south and east to cross Tomichi Pass and returns to Highway 50 and the Daly Gulch parking area. The long loop is about 70 miles long. The long loop can be shortened about 11 miles by not going to Terrible Mountain. Gas is available in Pitkin.
Pitkin Loop - This loop starts and ends at the Daly Gulch parking area on the west side of Highway 50, about one mile northeast of Sargents. The long loop goes north to Pitkin, west to Fossil Ridge, back to Pitkin, then south back to the Daly Gulch parking area. The long loop is about 85 miles long. The long loop can be shortened about 32 miles by not going to Fossil Ridge. Gas is available in Pitkin.
Rainbow Trail North Loop - This loop starts and ends at Hayden Pass CG, southeast of Salida. The loop follows the Rainbow Tr from Hayden Pass CG north to US Highway 285, then west to the trail's end. The loop continues south to Bonanza, then southeast to Villa Grove, then east across the San Luis Valley to Hayden Pass CG. The loop is definitely for intermediate riders or better because of the length and many technical sections. Gas is available at Villa Grove.
Sargents Loop - This loop starts and ends at Sargents. The long version goes west to Barret Park, then swings back east on Razor Cr, follows the Continental Divide Tr across Sargents Mesa and Cameron Park to Marshall Pass, and eventually goes down Agate Cr and back to Highway 50 and Sargents. Shorter versions of the loop using numerous bail-outs are also noted. The long version of the loop is definitely for intermediate riders or better because of the length and a few technical sections. Novice riders could ride a shorter version if they had help in a few spots (noted). Beginning riders should avoid most of the trails on this loop. There is no gas available on the loop.
South Fork Loop - This loop starts and ends at Shirley Site, southwest of Salida. The loop goes to South Fork and back. The loop is definitely for intermediate riders or better because of the length and many technical sections. Gas is available in South Fork.
South Timberline Loop - This loop starts and ends at the Taylor Park Trading Post. The loop goes south to Tincup, east to Timberline Tr, north on the trail, west on an ATV trail, and then returns to the Trading Post. The loop is easy consisting of dirt roads and two easy trails. The loop is about 20 miles long. There is no gas available on the loop.
Spring Creek Reservoir Loop - This loop starts and ends near Spring Creek Reservoir north of Gunnison. The loop is definitely for intermediate riders or better because of the length and many technical sections. Many trails on the loop are novice level with a few technical sections. Careful selection of a subset of this loop will provide novice riders a good riding experience. There is no gas available on the loop.
St Elmo Dual-Sport Loop - This starts and ends at the Taylor Park Trading Post. The loop goes south to Tincup, southeast over Tincup Pass to St Elmo, south over Hancock Pass, west past the Alpine Tunnel, north over Cumberland Pass, and then returns to the Trading Post. The loop is easy, consisting of dirt roads. The loop is about 65 miles long. There is no gas available on the loop.
Taylor Park Loop
- This loop starts and ends at the Gunnison Spur trailhead near
Dinner Station, about 6 miles north of the Taylor Park Trading
Post. The loop goes southwest on the Gunnison Spur, west across
the Reno Divide, west to Cement Cr, north to Crystal Pass, then
south back to the parking area. The loop is about 70 miles long.
Part of the challenge and enjoyment of a ride is to decide where you want to go yourself. Check Central CO Trail Loops for some suggestions of other loops that are not as detailed as those described here.
Revised - August 8, 2003.